SMART SOLAR AMHERST
Supporting responsible, environmentally sound solar development in Amherst
About Smart Solar Amherst
WHO? Smart Solar Amherst is a coalition of Amherst residents that support the development of renewable energy sources, while protecting forests, native habitats, water, and biodiversity.
WHAT? W.D. Cowls has engaged PureSky, a Canadian energy firm, to develop a large-scale 41-acre ground-mounted solar installation. This installation would require the clear-cutting of 45 acres of forest. The project would be close to 3 times the size of the largest solar array that presently exists in Amherst.
WHERE? This project would be installed on forested wilderness owned by W.D. Cowls, on the south side of Shutesbury Road, close to the Adams Brook, along the Pelham border in North Amherst.
WHEN? Initial contact with Shutesbury Road abutters was made by Cowls/AMP in December 2019, when the Amherst Conservation Commission was in the process of reviewing a required wetlands delineation study. Recently Cowls/AMP submitted a Notice of Intent to the town of Amherst ZBA. This is the first step in a process that could lead to a special permit to develop a large-scale solar installation on this land.
WHY? As residents of Amherst, we are the guardians and beneficiaries of its natural resources. Though we support renewable energy, we have deep concerns about the serious and adverse effects of this project and its potential long-term harm.
We advocate for:
HOW? Organize and advocate for best science-based practices, and safe and environmentally sound use of our natural resources.
WHO? Smart Solar Amherst is a coalition of Amherst residents that support the development of renewable energy sources, while protecting forests, native habitats, water, and biodiversity.
WHO? Smart Solar Amherst is a coalition of Amherst residents that support the development of renewable energy sources, while protecting forests, native habitats, water, and biodiversity.
WHAT? W.D. Cowls has engaged PureSky, a Canadian energy firm, to develop a large-scale 41-acre ground-mounted solar installation. This installation would require the clear-cutting of 45 acres of forest. The project would be close to 3 times the size of the largest solar array that presently exists in Amherst.
WHERE? This project would be installed on forested wilderness owned by W.D. Cowls, on the south side of Shutesbury Road, close to the Adams Brook, along the Pelham border in North Amherst.
WHEN? Initial contact with Shutesbury Road abutters was made by Cowls/AMP in December 2019, when the Amherst Conservation Commission was in the process of reviewing a required wetlands delineation study. Recently Cowls/AMP submitted a Notice of Intent to the town of Amherst ZBA. This is the first step in a process that could lead to a special permit to develop a large-scale solar installation on this land.
WHY? As residents of Amherst, we are the guardians and beneficiaries of its natural resources. Though we support renewable energy, we have deep concerns about the serious and adverse effects of this project and its potential long-term harm.
We advocate for:
- Avoiding large-scale deforestation;
- Protecting public/private water supply;
- Protecting wild-life habitat, especially rare species;
- Protecting wetlands;
- Placing solar arrays on disturbed land, not forests;
- Creating by-laws that address the development of future solar installations.
HOW? Organize and advocate for best science-based practices, and safe and environmentally sound use of our natural resources.
WHO? Smart Solar Amherst is a coalition of Amherst residents that support the development of renewable energy sources, while protecting forests, native habitats, water, and biodiversity.
Entrance to proposed AMP solar site, come see for yourself.
